Thanks to apps like Pinterest and Instagram, being a “foodie” has become trendy; with millions of diners whipping out their cell phones and doing their best to take gorgeous shots of their latest meal.

As a whole this has been a positive (albeit annoying) movement, with more Americans proudly taking note of what they put in their bodies; opting for colorful organic vegetables and trips to farmers markets – in part so they can share their healthy cargo with all their followers.

“Eating Clean” is fashionable these days. And given this country’s battle with obesity, that’s a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, the byproduct of this shift in food culture is that many of us have become culinary snobs; looking down on those who lean towards less glamorous dining experiences.

“I can’t believe they’re going to McDonalds”

“Why is she taking her kids to the drive thru?”

“How can anyone eat that garbage?”

These are sentiments a lot of us make without realizing how blatantly classist they are. While kale, quinoa and coconut water might be staples on your shopping list – for many low income families fast food is a lot more cost effective than a trip to Whole Foods. Not to mention the fact that there are some parts of the nation that have become food deserts altogether.

According to Wikipedia a food desert is

..a geographic area where affordable and nutritious food is difficult to obtain, particularly for those without access to an automobile.[1] Food deserts usually exist in rural areas and low-income communities. Some research links them to diet-related health problems in affected populations.[2] Food deserts are sometimes associated with supermarket shortages and food security.

Whether you find yourself living in a food desert or are simply on a restricted grocery budget, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Below we’ve compiled a list of some nutritiously sound fast food alternatives from popular eateries.